The pill

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi can you answer me this if a woman starts to take the pill after here period how long does it take before its effective ? is there any reason why it would take a longer or shorter time ? she was taking it before but not for some time thanks

Dear Matt:

I realize your concern about re starting oral contraceptive pills. First I would recommend her to start the pills on her next cycle, specifically at the beginning of her next menstruation. This would reassure her that she is not pregnant; also it would give her a better calendar control of the pills and would decrease the probabilities of having spotting or bleeding between cycles.

With that being said, the pills would become effective in no less than 7 days after taking them. For that reason, it is extremely recommended that the couple use a Contraceptive backup method such as female or male condoms at least for the first seven days but would be much better if the prolong the usage for 2 weeks. I hope I could clear your doubt.